5.0(10 Reviews)Full Day Offshore Charter - Nags Head, NC
5.0(10 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Top RatedMost Reviewed
Full-day offshore charter targeting Gulf Stream speciesAll equipment, licenses, and tackle included with serviceAccommodates up to six guests with experienced captain
When you're looking for serious offshore action in the Outer Banks, End Game Sportfishing delivers the real deal. Captain Barry and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on some of the best fishing the Atlantic has to offer. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a full commitment to finding fish, starting before dawn and staying out until the coolers are full. The Gulf Stream runs close to shore here in Nags Head, which means we can reach world-class fishing grounds without burning half the day getting there. You'll be targeting trophy species that most anglers only dream about, and with everything provided except your food and drinks, all you need to bring is your appetite for adventure.
Your day starts early – we're talking 5:30 AM departure, so plan accordingly. The early start isn't just for show; it gets us to the prime fishing spots when the bite is hot and gives us maximum time on the water. The End Game is equipped with everything you need: top-shelf tackle, fresh lures, all the ice you can use, and fishing licenses are covered. Captain Barry runs a tight ship with room for up to six anglers, so you won't feel crowded when the action heats up. The boat features comfortable seating, a clean head, and plenty of storage for your gear and catch. First Mate Billy knows how to rig baits, spot fish, and help land whatever's on the other end of your line. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, the crew adjusts their approach to make sure everyone has a shot at success. The Gulf Stream's deep blue waters are where the magic happens – this is big fish country, and you'll know it the moment you see that line where the coastal water meets the current.
Offshore fishing in the Outer Banks is all about covering water and reading the signs. We'll be trolling multiple lines with a spread of lures and rigged baits designed to attract pelagic species cruising the Gulf Stream. The crew uses a combination of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and artificial lures that have proven successful in these waters. Outriggers keep the lines spread wide, and downriggers get baits to the right depth when fish are holding deep. When we mark fish on the sounder or spot birds working, that's when things get interesting – time to slow down, maybe switch to live bait or chunk, and work the area properly. The Gulf Stream edge is a highway for migrating fish, and temperature breaks, weed lines, and color changes are all clues the crew uses to locate schools. You'll learn to watch for these signs too, and by the end of the day, you'll have a better understanding of what makes offshore fishing so addictive. The tackle is sized appropriately for the species we're targeting – heavy enough to handle a big tuna or marlin, but balanced so you can actually enjoy the fight.
"From start to finish, this is the boat to book! The professional and high time experience is very evident in Captain Barry and Mate Billy as they; get you on the boat, squared away, run out and of course hooked up! I took my 11 year old son and he came away with a very memorable experience which only enhanced his passion for sport fishing. The crew was patient and great with teaching kids. The boat facilities (bathroom, fridge, ice and seating) makes it easy for woman and children of all ages to enjoy a day on the water. End Game and crew far exceeded expectations and we left wanting to book another trip right away. Cant wait!!" - Sean. "Awesome boat and really awesome crew! Had a group of 5 of us that went out who were beginner level when it comes to fishing. Billy and Barry took real good care of us and caught a ton of Tuna and Mahi. Would recommended to everyone and anyone who is looking to fish in the Nags Head area." - Adam. "Had a great time fishing with Barry and Billy! I had never been fishing like this before and they did a great job teaching the basics. We ended up with a ton of fish and had a blast out on the boat. If you are looking catch some fish I highly recommend going with End Game Sportfishing!" - Steven.
Blackfin Tuna are the bread and butter of Gulf Stream fishing, and for good reason. These scrappy fighters typically run 10-25 pounds and are absolute dynamite on the line. They school up in good numbers, especially around temperature breaks and structure. Blackfins are year-round residents, but they really turn on during the warmer months when baitfish are abundant. What makes them so popular with anglers is their willingness to bite and their never-give-up attitude – pound for pound, they're one of the strongest fish in the ocean. Plus, they make excellent table fare, so you'll be taking home some premium sashimi-grade fish.
Blue Marlin represent the ultimate prize in offshore fishing. These apex predators can exceed 500 pounds and provide the fight of a lifetime. While they're less common than other species, the Outer Banks sees good marlin action from late spring through fall, with peak season running June through September. Blues are typically caught while trolling, and when one hits, everything else stops. The sight of a marlin coming up behind the spread, lit up and aggressive, is something you'll never forget. Most blues are released to fight another day, but the photos and memories last forever.
Mahi Mahi, or common dolphinfish, are pure excitement on the water. These colorful speedsters are known for their acrobatic fights and stunning golden-green coloration. Mahi typically range from 5-30 pounds in these waters, with larger bulls occasionally topping 40 pounds. They're often found around floating debris, weed lines, or anywhere small baitfish congregate.
The Buddy Cannady is your ticket to serious offshore fishing in the Gulf Stream waters off Nags Head. This Carolina Custom built sportfishing yacht cuts through the Atlantic swells with authority, powered by a Seakeeper 9 gyro that keeps you steady when the seas get choppy. Fish finder technology helps locate the action while you stay comfortable with AC, XM radio, and even Starlink wifi to share those trophy shots. Between fishing runs, grab a cold drink from the fridge, catch some downtime on the bed, or freshen up in the onboard shower. With full galley facilities, head, and entertainment system, you've got everything needed for those long days chasing mahi, tuna, and billfish. The experienced captain knows these waters inside and out, using GPS and radar to put you on the fish while VHF radio keeps communication clear. Room for six anglers means plenty of space at the rails without feeling crowded. All tackle, lures, ice, and licenses are provided - just bring your appetite for adventure and cooler full of snacks.
Thunnus ObesusBigeye are the deep-water specialists of the tuna family, averaging 60-150 pounds with their characteristic large eyes and long pectoral fins. They dive deeper than other tunas, often found 200+ feet down in the Gulf Stream where they can handle low oxygen levels. Best fishing happens at dawn and dusk when they move up to feed - their sensitive eyes prefer dimmer light. These fish are prized for their rich, fatty meat that rivals bluefin for sashimi quality. They're strong fighters that make long, powerful runs. We target them with dark-colored lures in the 8-10 inch range, trolling just before sunset or right at daybreak. Pro tip: when you mark fish deep but nothing's biting on the surface spread, drop down some vertical jigs - bigeye often hold in that twilight zone where other species won't venture.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin are the smallest in the tuna family, usually running 15-25 pounds, but they pack a serious punch for their size. These guys are fierce fighters with beautiful golden sides that fade quickly once landed. We find them in the Gulf Stream waters, typically in the top 100 feet where they school up with skipjack. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit 68°F or warmer. What makes blackfin special is their incredible table fare - sweet, mild meat that's perfect for sashimi or searing. They've got sharp eyesight, so we scale down to lighter leaders and smaller hooks than you'd expect. Pro tip: when you hook into a school, keep a second rod ready with live pilchards - where there's one blackfin, there's usually more waiting.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the kings of offshore fishing - massive billfish that can exceed 400 pounds, with females growing much larger than males. We hunt them in the deep blue waters of the Gulf Stream, usually 30+ miles offshore where water temps stay above 70°F. Summer months bring the best chances, though we see them spring through fall. These fish are pure power and acrobatics when hooked, jumping clear out of the water and making blistering runs. The fight alone makes it worth the trip - there's nothing quite like battling a marlin. While the meat can have high mercury levels, catch and release is common. Our go-to technique is trolling large lures or rigged ballyhoo at 8-12 knots. Here's a local tip: watch for frigate birds diving - they often mark bait schools that attract marlin.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are one of our most popular targets - beautiful fish with brilliant gold and green colors that put on a light show when first brought aboard. They average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in the Gulf Stream, usually in the top 30 feet. Spring through fall offers the best action in our waters. Mahi are aggressive feeders and acrobatic fighters, plus they make outstanding table fare with firm, mild white meat. They often travel in schools, so multiple hookups are common. We troll ballyhoo or colorful lures, making them skip on the surface to mimic flying fish. Local trick: when you boat one mahi, leave the others in the water hooked if possible - they'll often stay with their schoolmate, giving everyone a chance to catch one.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of offshore fishing - beautiful, torpedo-shaped fish averaging 40-80 pounds with those signature bright yellow fins. They cruise the Gulf Stream's upper waters, typically in the top 100 feet, and can hit 50 mph when they want to. Best action runs May through October when water temps stay warm. These fish are pure adrenaline - they fight hard, dive deep, and make screaming runs that'll test your drag. The meat is top-shelf, perfect for searing or sashimi. We troll rigged ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and skirted lures, but chunking with live bait can be deadly when they're finicky. Nothing beats watching one explode on a surface plug though. Local tip: when you find birds working bait, get your spread out fast - yellowfin often feed underneath and the action can shut off quickly.
5.0 out of 5.0From start to finish, this is the boat to book! The professional and high time experience is very evident in Captain Barry and Mat...
Awesome boat and really awesome crew! Had a group of 5 of us that went out who were beginner level when it comes to fishing. Billy...
Had a great time fishing with Barry and Billy! I had never been fishing like this before and they did a great job teaching the bas...
Had an awesome time on the End Game! Barry and Billy were great and helped us catch a lot of fish. Highly recommend booking with t...
We had a great experience on the End Game boat. The staff is very professional and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this charter ...
This is by far the best offshore charter experience. The team went above and beyond and provided a fully catered experience. We ...
I had a great time and experience out on the boat with Captain Berry! I learned a lot that day finishing with him. The boat was su...
Experience of a lifetime! Crew was very accommodating and welcoming. Definitely will book again!
Had an incredible time and caught a ton. Captain Barry & First Mate Billy were top notch
We had a great trip today with the crew on the Skirt Chaser. They worked super hard, non stop all day to put us on fish, were ver...
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